Chitrakoot: From Rama to Rabbits!

"Lord Rama and Goddess Sita stood on a hilly place and enjoyed the scenic vistas" and that's why Chitrakoot came to be known as the 'Hill of Wonders' located between the borders of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.

True to its name, Chitrakoot is a serene place with many tourist attractions and religious places. Every nook and corner of Chitrakoot resound the mythological tales that are said to have happened here.

As per the legend, Rama, Sita and Lakshman stayed here during the time of their exile. Hence, Rama is one of the main Gods worshipped here.

Interesting Fact: One part of Chitrakoot is in Uttar Pradesh, and another part is in Madhya Pradesh. Some years ago, it was used to be a little difficult to commute across the borders, but now people can easily tour around Chitrakoot.

Another prominent aspect of Chitrakoot is the Mandakini River. Ramghat on the banks of Mandakini River gives a feeling of Varanasi Ghats. Boating in the Mandakini River should not be missed out here.

Ramghat holds a great importance as it is the place where Saint Tulsidas saw Lord Rama. There is also a small shrine for Tulsidas at Ramghat.

Colourfully decorated boats at Ramghat grabs your attention here. Tourists can take a boat ride in the Mandakini River. What more! Not just people but rabbits accompany you in the boat ride. Yes, rabbits are considered to be lucky for business here. Hence each boat has 1 or 2 rabbits!

Another place at Ramghat is the Bharat Milap Temple. As per the legend, Rama's younger brother came here to meet Rama. So, the temple is dedicated to them.

Chitrakoot is a place with a number of hills. Most of these hills have temples with a mythological connect. The Kamadgiri Hill is one of the famous tourist attractions in Chitrakoot. Kamadgiri is known for Kamata Nath Temple, which is much revered by the locals.

Interesting Fact: The region of Kamadgiri is said to be the original Chitrakoot. And this is where Lord Rama, Sita and Lakshman are said to have stayed.

Next destination in Chitrakoot journey is Hanuman Dhara. It is also a religious place with a temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman. There is also a small spring (Dhara) which originates here. Hence, the name Hanuman Dhara.

Moving on, let us visit Gupt Godavari! It is a cave temple and a famous place in Chitrakoot. In fact, there are two caves; one is a shrine, and another cave is filled with water. A stream passes through one of these caves and it is rejuvenating to walk in the knee deep water at Gupt Godavari.

Among various attractions, Sati Anasuya Ashram holds a great importance at Chitrakoot. According to the myth, Sage Athri and his wife Anasuya along with their children Dattatreya, Durvasa and Chandra lived here on the banks of Mandakini River. The region of Sati Anasuya Ashram is a picturesque place while the river Mandakini adds on to the beauty. It is one of the must visit places in Chitrakoot.

According to Rama Charita Manas (Tulasi Das), Sphatic Shila is the place where Hanuman came after setting fire to Lanka. There is a big footprints of Rama and Sita at Sphatic Shila. Hence it is also a holy place.

Chitrakoot has not lost its serene beauty and remains one of the beautiful offbeat destinations. A two-days visit to this mythological region is enough to cover all the prominent places.